James C. Hart was a DuPont chemist and member of the health physics group during the Manhattan Project.
At the start of the Manhattan Project, a health physics section was started at the University of Chicago under Ernest Wollan. This group focused on developing new radiation detection devices and investigating the effects of radiation on the body. Hart, formerly a Dupont chemist, was brought into the group after its formation. At Chicago, Hart’s work focused on “pencil dosimeters,” small instruments used to measure radiation. In 1943, the health physics group moved to Oak Ridge, where they helped set up the program in radiation safety at the new plant. Hart was in charge of the personnel meters at Oak Ridge. In 1944, Hart moved to Hanford. At Hanford, the group also focused on the impact of radiation on the environment.
Hart published a number of studies in health physics relating to personal dosimeters, radiation doses, and hazard control.